Chapter 20, Problem 20.76QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

‘Tritium contains one proton and two neutrons. There is no significant proton-proton repulsion present in the nucleus. But tritium is radioactive’- The reason should be explained.

Concept Introduction:

• Unstable nuclei emit radiation spontaneously to become stable nuclei by losing energy. This process of emission of radiation by unstable nuclei is known as radioactive decay.
• These emitted radiations may be alpha radiations( $\text{α}$), beta radiations( $\text{β}$ ) or gamma radiations( $\text{γ}$ )
• These unstable nuclei are the nuclei with more than 83 protons and which do not lie within the belt of stability
• If the N/P ratio of nucleus is more or less than one which lies outside the belt of stability and it exhibits radioactivity.

To explain: The reason for the radioactivity of tritium.